unSILOed Podcast with Greg LaBlanc

“What is this thing called X, and how is it different from how we usually think about it?”

He often opens by asking for a precise definition of the core topic, seeking a more nuanced view than the common understanding.

“Why do people or companies focus on the wrong things, like intermediate metrics instead of first principles?”

This question probes the root cause of common errors in a given field, like business or marketing.

“Is it because [practical reason, e.g., ease of measurement] that people stick to flawed models?”

He follows up a 'why' question with a specific, practical hypothesis about why irrational or inefficient behavior persists.

“How should one consider their audience when trying to be [honest, authentic, etc.]?”

He explores the relational aspect of a concept, questioning how the presence of an 'other' changes individual behavior.

“But couldn't one argue that [common counter-argument] is also true?”

He frequently introduces a popular objection or alternative perspective to test the strength and limits of the guest's thesis.

“How can we explain the paradox of [a contemporary figure or event, e.g., Trump's perception] using your framework?”

He grounds the abstract conversation by asking the guest to apply their theory to a concrete, often political or cultural, real-world example.

“Did it surprise you that [the opposite of a predicted outcome] happened?”

This question explores the gap between expectation and reality, often used to introduce the core puzzle the guest's work solves.

“Is the nature of [fame, creativity, etc.] fundamentally different or shallower now?”

This question invites a qualitative judgment on how technology and modern culture have changed a timeless concept.

“So, you can be [X] while doing [opposite of X]? How does that work?”

After a guest makes a counter-intuitive point, he paraphrases it as a paradox to confirm his understanding and explore the nuance.

“How does this concept connect to [a legal or philosophical doctrine like 'mens rea' or Aristotle's mean]?”

A signature move where he imports a framework from another discipline to shed new light on the topic.

“What do new roles or structures, like a 'Chief Growth Officer,' tell us about how the industry is evolving?”

He uses changes in organizational language and structure to analyze the future trajectory of a field.

“What do people get wrong when they try to apply this, for instance with attribution models?”

This question moves from theory to practice, asking about the common pitfalls of implementation.